Full Version: Epilog problem
From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#2]
15 Apr 2007
To: ALL
Rose, I spent the last half hour or so looking for my tech notes on a Mini. I can't find them anywhere. So maybe I can help you. IF the following info does not seem to help, or is describing something that your system does not have on it, I might be thinking of another Epilog system.
Is you table up too far to remove the table hold down screws. There should be four socket headed cap screws with washers on them in each corner of your table. If you can get to those four screws, you should be able to remove the table from your machine. The hold down screws are the four screws that look like they are all the way tightened down to the surface of the table. That should allow you to see what is going on with your Z axis. IF you can get your table out of the machine, now you should be able to see what is slipping. I would guess that if a shaft is spinning, and the gears are not, a set screw has come loose. I would think the "jackhammer" sound is the belt being driven by the motor, and that the belt is slipping or not able to move. Every time the belt jumps, it is making that sound. Each tooth jumps, and the machine's metal enclosure is amplifying the noise. If the drive belt looks to be a little loose, try to snug it up a bit.
If you cannot access the z axis assy. by removing the table, you might have to remove the cover on the right side of the machine to get at it. Check all of the set screws for each of the drive gears mounted to shafts in the Z axis motion system. The Z axis is usually very hard to turn by hand even with the power off to the machine. If you can move the table down to a reasonable height, and the machine still does not like it, you might just have to set your table height, and shim whatever you are trying to work on to the correct focus position. That might just get you through today, and Epilog service will be open tomorrow.
Again, Rose, I apologize if the above does not help you. I work on so many different machines, it is getting harder and harder to remember each machine design. If what I said above does not pertain to your machine, feel free to PM me, and don't be afraid of sending me pictures of what things look like. We might be able to guess our way through things. You can also call. I will be in and out, so leave a message if I don't answer and I will try to check messages several times today. Good luck.
From: Epilog_Laser (PECK_SIDARA) [#3]
15 Apr 2007
To: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#1] 15 Apr 2007
Rose,
Here's my rendition/tech note on correcting the table if it's stuck in the up position.
Turn the machine off. Remove both the left and right side panels. Should be about 6 screws on each side. Additionally remove the front panel where the air is drawn in for the exhaust. Same thing, about 6 screws.
With all 3 panels removed, you'll see how the table system is designed, a lead screw on each side (left and right), long belt that loops around both lead screws and the table motor pulley.
What probably happened is one of the lead screws is stuck in the up position and as the table motor is trying to lower the table, the noise you're hearing is caused by the table belt slipping.
On the right side towards the base of the machine you'll see the table motor. The table motor is mounted on a bracket. The bracket is attached to the chassis of the machine by 2 Allen head screws and there's a horizontal screw that is used to determine how much tension is applied to the belt.
Get a feel for how tight this belt is so that when we put it all back together, you'll know how much tension to apply.
Remove the table motor by removing the 2 Allen head screws and the horizontal adjustment screw. Slip the belt off of the motor drive pulley.
You now have the table motor removed, the belt is still in place, you're table is jammed in the up position.
At the bottom of the lead screws are the drive pulleys for the lead screws. There's one on each side. With the motor removed you should be able to turn the drive pulleys freely with your fingers. If one or both is stuck, this is the cause. What ever side is jammed, use a pair of pliers and try turning the stuck pulley by grabbing the wall of the pulley wiht the pliers slowly and gently to get it unjammed.
You're in good shape when both bottom lead screw drive pulley is loose and freely turns. As you turn these pulley's the corresponding side will lower or raise.
The next step is to level the table using these lead screws, I recommend getting 2 full cans of soda (unopened of course). From the front of the machine, place these two cans under the table, one on the left and one on the right. Turn the lead screws until the table rests on the cans of soda (by doing this, we're making sure the table is level).
We're almost done, make sure the long table motor belt is properly routed around the 2 drive pulleys at the bottom of the lead screws. Reinstall the table motor and make sure the belt is properly routed around the table motor pulley.
Adjust the belt tension and everything should be back to normal.
I'll check the forum again at 4PM Eastern, if you're still having difficulty, respond and I'll PM you my cell phone # for assistance over the phone.
If it can wait, you could call tech support tomorrow morning bright and early and we'll have you back up and running in no time flat.
Regards,
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#4]
15 Apr 2007
To: Epilog_Laser (PECK_SIDARA) [#3] 15 Apr 2007
Thank You SO much.
I will run over to the shop and follow your instructions.
We are doing a welcome home for two soldiers at 2-3pm Ca. time but I will get back to you.
THANK YOU
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#5]
15 Apr 2007
To: Epilog_Laser (PECK_SIDARA) [#3] 15 Apr 2007
Thank you, Everything worked like you said!
There were two nuts and one allen (someday I would like to meet the person who designed that allen screw in that location) but other than that everything matched exactly. Just the side with the motor was jammed. Got that loose, put everything back together and seems to be working fine.
By the way, what was the best way to get the cans out once I got the table level? I was afraid to leave them in until I turned it on and checked it just in case.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help today. Your willingness to help is one of the biggest reasons I bought an Epilog.
Thanks,
Rose
By the way, what would have caused the one side to jam?
From: UncleSteve [#6]
15 Apr 2007
To: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#5] 15 Apr 2007
If you had used two beer cans instead of soda and emptied them prior to doing the repair, you would have been able to squeeze them in the middle and the cans would collapse and get shorter... ;-)
From: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#7]
15 Apr 2007
To: UncleSteve [#6] 15 Apr 2007
From: Epilog_Laser (PECK_SIDARA) [#8]
15 Apr 2007
To: Rose (RSLIEPKA) [#5] 15 Apr 2007
Rose,
I'm glad you got it worked out. To remove the cans, you could've just booted the machine after everything was put back together, from there, raise the table from the display. The table can get jammed for a few different reasons, the most common one is auto-focusing on the vector grid. Another would be auto-focusing with a faulty auto-focus plunger tip. Have a nice day.
Regards,
From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#9]
15 Apr 2007
To: ALL
Peck, who said you were just another salesman? Nice job.
Glad to hear it worked out Rose.
EDITED: 15 Apr 2007 by CHEDDARHEAD
From: Peck.Sidara (LAOPADAK) [#10]
15 Apr 2007
To: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#9] 16 Apr 2007
From: jeanettebrewer (JEANETTEBREWER2) [#11]
15 Apr 2007
To: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#10] 16 Apr 2007
Yes, Boz, thanks for jumping in and helping. I know you've been very busy with your top secret nefarious plot ...
How DO you find the time?
From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#12]
16 Apr 2007
To: ALL
From: JHayes55 [#13]
16 Apr 2007
To: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#12] 16 Apr 2007
–adjective
extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous: a nefarious plot.
[Origin: 1595–1605; < L nefÄÂrius wicked, vile, equiv. to nefÄÂs offense against divine or moral law (ne- negative prefix + fÄÂs law, right) + -ius -ious, with intervocalic s> r]
Gee - what a great term to have hung on you.